Chris Karns - Red Rocks to Telluride

Chris Karns – Red Rocks to Telluride

With technology jumping forward by leaps an bounds, the modern DJ has taken on many forms. For some, the introduction of beat matching software, drum machines and Digital DJ equipment replaced the traditional turntable and record combo. For others, this was an opportunity to add to their already proven method, and reach new heights in electronically produced music. All while sticking to the roots that made them want to create music in the first place.

When you’re a DMC World Champion, 3x Red Bull Thre3style Winner, companies send you personalized limited edition Turntables with your name on them…. not much needs to be said because you get to see this process in action. Chris Karns has demonstrated this with a seriously long list of accomplishments and competition wins, not only on the national level, but on a Global scale as well. Being part of Pretty Lights Live is just another adventure for this talented DJ.

Chris Karns is a stand out in a long list of ground breaking artists that currently call Colorado home. He takes old school style to the next level, by mixing old, current and futuristic sounds, to create one of a kind beats, all while remixing both current and past hits. Getting to witness his opening set of Episode 2 at Red Rocks, up close and personal, was an awesome privilege.

His performance reminded me of the greats I’ve witnessed in the past such as DJ Rectangle, Q-bert and hell even Jazzy Jeff with the way he controlled the cross fader. As he juggled and scratched to close his set, the crowd couldn’t hold back it’s excitement. Bouncing to his every beat and cheering as Chris Karns music lead us through an epic set, there was no doubt the crowd was loving it.

With his first job complete, he had the crowed primed and ready for more as Supervision took the stage. All SV had to do was keep the people moving till we reached the main event. No problem for the Pretty Lights Live recording artist, he too was an awesome set to witness.

There’s no question as to why Derek Vincent Smith (Picture) aka Pretty Lights picked Chris to be his scratch man in the Pretty Lights Live band!! The bonus was getting to see him perform solo in front of a sold out weekend at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Chris’s mix of Hip-Hop, Deep bass and a jam sash with Felix Fast4ward was the perfect way to get a Saturday night crowd up an movin’.

When Chris Karns came off stage he explained to me there were some computer issues going on, so he had to go over time and improvise. What better way to do it then show why you’re such a highly decorated DJ!! A champion is someone who pushes the levels and does what others can’t. When the show had to keep moving and production needed some time, Chris was happy to provide. For me, it made a fantastically planned set have that little extra something that makes the entire night, one of a kind.

I followed Chris down into the artists lounge afterwards to catch some of his thoughts on the show and up coming Pretty Lights Telluride Festival. Soon as we walk in he is greeted by Derek Vincent Smith. With a smile and big hug, he congratulates Chris on a set well performed. After the niceties it was straight back to the business at hand. Getting to witness two musical geniuses interact is a site to be seen. They begin to go over the set list, “So were going to start with Pink Floyd…” Derek tells Chris. That’s all I needed to hear to get stupid fan boy excited, it’s my all time favorite Pretty Lights remix. Valerie, Chris’s girlfriend, expressed her love for Pink Floyd growing up, so we both couldn’t hide our excitement for the show we were about to witness!!

Not wanting to bug Chris while he preps for the main event, I left the lounge to head back up and join the full capacity crowd, waiting for the musical journey to commence. If you have never seen these guys play together then you are missing out. As Derek described in an interview with AXS “ Just tastefully flavored good music and a proper welcoming to the next level.” Well sir, mission accomplished.

Stay tuned for Pretty Lights Live – Episode 2 recap with pictures by yours truly.

Don’t miss out seeing CHris Karns live, get your tickets for Pretty Lights in Telluride today!! This is the must see show of the summer, set in the only fitting place for a PL home festi, Telluride, Colorado. See you all there and stay tuned for more!